Trip Time

Spring ahead to a relaxing getaway at Alabama's welcoming beaches

Already over the holidays and looking forward to warmer weather and less stressful trips? It's not too early to begin planning your spring vacation to Alabama's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

These hidden gems are full of natural beauty, from the jaw-dropping sunsets over turquoise waters to 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches made almost entirely of quartz grains washed down thousands of years ago from the Appalachian Mountains. And by going in the spring, you can enjoy smaller crowds and lower rates than in the summer (and you won't have to wait as long, either).

Naturally, outdoor adventure awaits in this paradise. From biking along the miles of trails to kayaking the plethora of waterways to fishing for snapper and sailfish, there's no shortage of fresh-air excitement. Looking for even more thrills? Then check out the Hummingbird Zipline Course at The Wharf, Alabama's longest zipline course at more than 6,000 feet. The two-hour guided tour soars up to 115 feet above the pristine coastal wetlands setting.

When you've worked up an appetite, check out the delectable local cuisine. From dive bars to fine dining, you'll find meals from around the world and seafood fresh off the boat.

Another great reason to visit in the spring is the jam-packed calendar of events. The 46th annual Festival of Art draws potters, painters, sculptors, watercolorists, and textile, wood, and glass artists to Orange Beach Waterfront Park in March, while hundreds travel to participate in the legendary Mullet Toss (the fish, not the haircut) in April.

Come May, you have your pick of the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship; the Orange Beach Billfish Classic; and Hangout Music Festival, which has featured such musicians as Vampire Weekend, Hozier, Walk the Moon, The Killers, and Kendrick Lamar in years past.

Start planning your spring vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach now by ordering your 2020 vacation guide here.

Cast a line anytime, or come for the Orange Beach Billfish Classic in May.

Photo courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Cast a line anytime, or come for the Orange Beach Billfish Classic in May.

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hotel news

Grand Hyatt hotel at DFW Airport unveils $34 million renovation

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt DFW

All rooms at the Grand Hyatt DFW face the airport's runways.

The DFW Airport's on-site Terminal D hotel, Grand Hyatt DFW Airport, has just completed its $34 million renovation in less than a year.

Renovations began in July 2025 in celebration of its 20th anniversary, and coincided with the DFW Airport's ongoing $9 billion renovation plan. According to general manager Jeff Babcock, the hotel's transformation was a strategic process to show gratitude and "give back to the travelers and members of the community that supported [the hotel] during the last two decades."

"The entire renovation of the property solidifies our legacy as the premier hotel and event center supporting the international airport and connecting travelers to the Dallas Fort Worth culture and community,” Babcock says in a press release.

Among the shiny new features are the fully renovated guest rooms and suites (which have been increased from its original 298 rooms to 315), a "reimagined" Grand Met restaurant, and an updated 20,000-square-foot top-floor meeting and event space, executive board room, and an expansive indoor/outdoor rooftop flight-deck event space that overlooks the DFW Airport's runways.

Grand Hyatt DFW Airport hotel $34 million renovation, King Room In addition to new beds, stitched leather headboards, and integrated lighting, all guest rooms also feature large HD flat screen TVs and new charging ports.Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt DFW

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt DFW

All rooms at the Grand Hyatt DFW face the airport's runways.

The Grand Hyatt also claims its renovated 6,600-square-foot ballroom makes the hotel "a leading conference destination and event center at DFW and around the area."

The hotel lobby remains just steps away from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Terminal D checkpoint, and was remodeled with "luxurious marble tile flooring, rich wooden paneling, and artwork created by local artists," the press release says. Additional upgrades were made to the on-site fitness center, which was relocated to the first-floor "to better accommodate health and fitness needs" and is now outfitted with Peloton bicycles.

"The transformation of Grand Hyatt DFW is a major milestone in the ongoing evolution of our airport and an investment in the experience we deliver to customers every day," says DFW CEO Chris McLaughlin in the release. "As one of the most consistently and highly awarded airport hotels, this property sets the standard for convenience, comfort and Southern hospitality. The reimagining of the property ensures it will continue to be a premier destination in North Texas and a powerful reflection of DFW’s commitment to excellence as we serve a growing global community."

Room rates at the Grand Hyatt DFW Airport begin at $296 for World of Hyatt Members, and standard rates begin at $329 per night in February.

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